2012 Ford Expedition Transmission & Powertrain Problems
Transmission & Powertrain complaints account for 64 of 118 total complaints on the 2012 Ford Expedition (54%), the highest share of any model year. A related recall (16V248000) covers a powertrain control module software update. Median mileage at failure was 108,000 miles.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 64
- 54% of 118
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 108,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicle downshifts suddenly and without warning while driving at highway speeds, sometimes dropping to first or second gear on its own.
- Sudden downshifts cause a sharp loss of speed or the vehicle to get stuck in a lower gear, forcing drivers to slow to a stop before regaining normal operation.
- Owners report the transmission jerks or jumps hard when shifting from first to second gear, sometimes accompanied by a loud clunk.
- Speedometer and fuel gauge readings fluctuate at the same time the transmission jerks or downshifts violently.
- Some owners whose vehicles matched the described failure pattern were told their VIN was not included in recall campaign 16V248000, leaving the transmission problem unrepaired under the recall.
- One owner reported the vehicle rolled away after being parked and shut off, crossing a street and hitting a house, with no injuries reported.
When 2012 Ford Expedition transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 28, 2013, latest Apr 7, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2012 Ford Expedition
- NHTSA 16V248000Apr 27, 2016Transmission & Powertrain153,581 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford F-150 trucks, 2012 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Mustang vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with an automatic transmission that may unexpectedly downshift to first gear, regardless of vehicle speed.
Risk: An unexpected downshift into first gear can cause the vehicle to slow down suddenly without warning and the rear tires may slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S19.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Expedition model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Ford Expedition?
- NHTSA lists 64 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2012 Expedition out of 118 total complaints for the year, or 54% of all complaints — the highest share among Expedition model years in this data.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2012 Ford Expedition?
- Yes. Recall 16V248000, reported April 27, 2016, covers 2011-2012 Ford F-150, 2012 Expedition, Navigator, and Mustang vehicles with an automatic transmission. Dealers reprogram the powertrain control module with updated software free of charge.
- At what mileage do 2012 Expedition transmission problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2012 Expedition is 108,000 miles.
- Did the 2012 Expedition transmission issue cause any crashes?
- NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 0 fires linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2012 Expedition, with no injuries reported.
- Were some 2012 Expeditions left out of the transmission recall?
- Some owners reported that their vehicle showed the same downshift symptoms described in recall 16V248000 but that their VIN was not included in the recall, according to NHTSA complaint narratives.